Elder Trey Hafen

Chapter 21: A praying that the lord delivered! Haitian work ramping up

These couple of weeks have been great but the weeks before have been rough. Miracles have been abounding in the work. But let me say they don't happen on your time sadly. That's probably a good thing anyways. The man above knows somethings we dont. Definitely a lot of patience in the work when it get tough and feel like theirs a wall against your back.

Before last Sunday we had a lot of Haitians that were interested in the gospel. They didn't speak English so it made it harder. We don't have a French speaker that we know of. We have an Haitian Elder in the zone but he's too busy with his area and his area is an hour away. It was tough,rough, and I came to the consideration to drop some of them or most of them. I didn't want that option to come but as time was ticking it had to be done sooner rather than later. In the Book of Mormon captain Moroni requested for troops to strengthen his force that have been Depleting. Well sadly he couldn't get much but with Faith he fought through it. I would compare this as I was feeling. Looking for French speakers in the ward, but we had none. We were Seeing if they spoke Spanish to give to the Spanish sisters. If they did unfortunately they would be dropped shortly after because they didn't know enough Spanish too teach them. It was just tough. They loved church, and trying to learn from us. The game plan was after last Sunday if they don't read the Book of Mormon on time or at least try then they will be dropped. Well I guess the lord had other plans. It was ward conference that Sunday, President Dunford son has been helping before he left to Nauvoo. So President Dunford knew what was at stake. The last ward conference I asked if the ward would be ready for it. Btw Haitians are a lot of work because they are starting from the ground up. at ward council the next week my questions is getting addressed off the bat. The stake presidency was there as well because of ward conference. As the question was getting throw around, and as President Dunford is trying to get more information as well explaining to the ward council the problems of the Haitian Refugees in regards of what they face. He gave some really great insight. Telling the ward that a Haitian group will be getting started with in the prophetstown ward. Then finding Solutions to help them learn English and to help them become self Reliant in the world. That was great to hear but we still had a problem to deal with. We don't have anyone to help us teach them and help them progress in the gospel. We had 7 Haitians showing up to church consistently and had a good group this week. President Dunford didn't have much time to speak in church but he introduced them in a little Creole he knew over the pupluit. They were digging it but it also got the ward to recognize them and show love and support to them. After the meeting we were going to take them to class like always. Not going to expect anything new. But a miracle happened that Sunday, my prayers were answered. A man named Brother Hunter came out of nowhere and started speaking French to them. I was shocked, me and Elder Rice have been looking for this forever and now we got the help we needed. Like I said at the start, miracles don’t happen on your time, but His time! Now we are cooking with grease. The work is progressing. I was very stressed and down on the work before that Sunday. Very frustrated and I had to do what I didn't want to do. Their will be challenges in life that will get us on our knees. I constantly tried to pray to our Father in Heaven to relieve this issue, and help guide the work. The power of prayer is real! I know people that have a testimony of it. That put faith into it, and gain something out of it. General Washington back when the revolutionary War was happening. Prayed in Valley forge. “Our nation was founded on prayer, it was preserved by prayer and we need prayer again" ~M Russell Ballard

I Guarantee you General Washington was down,frustrated,stress, and wanted clarity on what to do to progress the cause of a free nation.

We pray with faith, sincerity, and real intent to act on the answers we receive. As we do this, God will guide us and help us make good decisions. This church was started by prayer and now is where it is at today. Pray for miracles in your daily life. Plead with your loving Heavenly Father. If life gets too hard to stand, kneel.

The Haitian people are so Humble and God loving. America is the golden city on the hill, the land of opportunity, and that you have the chance to create your own American dream. The Haitians we find are so dependent on the ward. As we were talking in ward council we need to help them be more self Reliant and help them get on their feet. Which Rome wasn't built in a day. It will take time. Haitian work is going great. Brother Hunter a dawg, and been mega helping us out with work load! We are still having on average 7 Haitians coming to church. Today we had 10 people to church, 3 quarters of them being Haitian. Most people I had in my life. The Haitian group is still in talks but is highly likely to happened. We keep on finding more. The people are great and the work keeps on progressing. The lord will provide as we continue to grind!

On the spiritual side I rather be dependent on Christ centered principles than worldly confusion. There's people out there that don't know where to find peace. But as we live the restored gospel and be examples of it to the world they, they can see us as there beacon of hope. If you think that's just a tail it's true. People are watch, taking notes, and ask questions. My Father was a good example to me for that. Times were darn tough and it's not easy to live the gospel when you live in the world. As I child I'm greatful for your example and devotion to the lord. It helped my testimony in the gospel! Just as in life the gospel can make you independent of the world, while the world makes you dependent on things that don't have an meaning, happiness, or purpose. Love Dad!

I have been having a good couple of weeks. Bud took us out to get pizza. Hangout with Bud is always a good time. Give the Hermanas some referrals. Playing pandemic with Elder Romero, and Rice after 9. Made a new friend Chris that let us in and showed us his music that he's making. Since he was friend Elder Rice put him on to George Strait, and Jason Aldean. Wesley loves to take pictures at church. Then all the Haitian wanted to take a group pic Feat Bro Hunter. Btw we are missing a few in the group photo. Than George Washington praying to Heavnly Father above.

The work moves forward!

Pray for Miracles, and Love,Share, and invite those around you! This is a gospel of joy and don't just kept it for yourself, Share the love.

Please Pray for my friends

David

Orelian

Wesley

Kenley

Smiranda

Emmanuel

Bonse

Wanda

Widline

Rafael

Love you guys and remember God loves!